December 10, 2008 – Adopting Europe’s vast alpine ranges as a play-ground for exploration and adventure, The Swatch O’Neill Big Mountain Pro returns for 2009 with more promise than ever.

The concept remains the same – 12 of the world’s best freeriders reaching some of the most challenging and varied backcountry terrain that the mountains have to offer.

The inspirational mobile format of the event ensures that the riders are free to roam the Alps with no fixed destination in a quest to find the best snow and mountain faces for the varying conditions.

The success and popularity of the rider judged format of the competition sees its continuation for the third year running. Wherever the final face may be, the riders will head to Saalbach-Hinterglemm back in Austria for the unique judging session where they all judge each other’s runs. An overall winner will be crowned, as well as a winner for skiing and one for snowboarding, with a total prizemoney of $60,000 on offer.